The Ravens are touchdown favorites over the Atlanta Falcons ahead of their game Saturday in Baltimore, .
Both teams are coming off Week 15 losses and dealing with upheaval at quarterback. The Ravens (9-5) , their second straight road game with starter Lamar Jackson sidelined by a knee injury. If Jackson returns to practice this week, he could return to action this weekend. If Jackson’s unavailable, Tyler Huntley would likely make his third straight start.
The Falcons (5-9), who are seven-point underdogs heading into Baltimore, lost Sunday to the host New Orleans Saints, 21-18, in what was rookie Desmond Ridder’s first NFL start. The third-round pick, who replaced the injured and slumping Marcus Mariota, went 13-for-26 for 97 yards and was sacked four times while rushing six times for 38 yards on Sunday.
Both teams are only one game back in their respective divisional races. The Ravens’ loss Saturday knocked them to second place in the AFC North, behind the Cincinnati Bengals (10-4). Atlanta is tied with the Carolina Panthers and Saints in the NFC South, trailing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8).
The Ravens have struggled as betting favorites at M&T Bank Stadium this season. They’re 4-2 overall but 0-5-1 against the spread at home. Atlanta, meanwhile, is 4-3 against the spread on the road.
The Ravens are 4-2 all time in the series, with wins in three of their past four meetings. In 2018, kicker Justin Tucker made four field goals, Jackson scored on a 13-yard run, and cornerback Tavon Young returned a fumble for a 12-yard touchdown in a 26-16 road win.
The over-under for Saturday’s game is 37 1/2 points.
Week 16
Falcons at Ravens
Saturday, 1 p.m.
TV: Ch. 45
Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM
Line: Ravens by 7
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